It Wasn’t An Exercise Of Prediction; Parliament On Bagbin’s Bawumia-Mahama Election Anticipation

The Parliament of Ghana has refuted reports that Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin predicted the 2024 Presidential election will be between former President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

A statement from the House said although he referred to two politicians- from the north- seeking Presidential powers, “it was not an exercise in prediction”.

The Speaker referenced the two when he called on Yagbonwura, His Majesty Jira Yagbonwura Bi-Kunuto Jewu Soala at Damongo on Wednesday, June 14 as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy in Ghana.

He is quoted to have said, “The NDC has already elected my younger brother, John Dramani Mahama, as its Flagbearer and the NPP if the NPP elect Dr Bawumia in November, then we have two northern brothers competing to be president which I think we all pray for.”

His statement was reported in the media as a prediction, but the statement from Parliament contests it.

“We wish to place on record that although the Speaker referred to the two politicians at the said event, it was not an exercise in prediction. He suggested that what should be of interest to the people in northern Ghana, in which context he was speaking, is that they will be well represented at the apex of Ghana’s political structure, and that should be a source of pride to them.

‘The Rt. Hon. Speaker explained that despite political differences, we are one people with a common destiny. Our common goal therefore should be to work towards the common good of all Ghanaians, irrespective of our political differences,” the statement read.

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is yet to elect a flagbearer for the 2024 general election during which it seeks to break the two-term jinx in Ghanaian administration.

Leading the presidential primary race are the vice President and the former Minister for Trades and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.